Use the scroll buttons on the right to view the images

Volvo ups its game with the surprisingly powerful petrol-propelled XC60

In our previous test of the Vovlo XC60 D5 the vehicle didn't do all that well against the competition due to its lack of turbo lag. So Volvo handed us the petrol version to compare. It is no less than a 3-litre, turbocharged straight six, with a six-speed Geartronic transmission.

This being a Volvo, the cabin is clinically clean and pristine. Everything looks like it was built by the same people who design hospital wards, and it even has a similar clean, bleach smell to it.

What I do like about this car is the abundance of gadgetry and list of electronic goodies that leave me wondering if Volvo has a secret space shuttle programme somewhere in Sweden.

Things like BLIS are great, a system that lets you know if someone has crept up into your blind spot by means of an orange light on the inside panel by the mirror. Lane Departure warning, pretty much self explanatory in that if you stray from your lane on the freeway without indicating you get a host of warnings to let you know you're being an idiot.

Collision warning

Volvo's marketing strategy for this car though has been its collision warning and auto brake system, fitted as standard. It works something like sonar in that it detects its surroundings and if it determines there is an imminent danger it pre-loads the brakes or even applies them if it deems necessary, although this only works at lower speeds.

In less dire circumstances it will only notify you with a red light on the heads up display. The list of gadgets seems to go on quite along way so I've just mentioned the "wow-factor" technology.

Another thing about this version of the XC60 is the drive, the diesel has the same chassis feel, but leaves your heart in your mouth every time you turn right at a set of traffic lights, since it puts you in the line of fire for a while before you get enough speed to clear all the traffic that wants to T-bone you.

Instant delivery

The petrol definitely has a more instant power delivery and it has a lot of shove to it as well, we timed it at 7.3 seconds on the 0-100kmh run which is nothing short of rapid considering it's an SUV.

The Volvo is comfortable and luxurious enough inside that it wont leave you wishing that you'd bought one of the German counterparts and it's a refreshing choice, a bit different on the styling and well worth a look in at the R515 000 asking price.

And this petrol version is the best of the XC60 range, even though in and around town you might be stopping at more petrol stations than intended with an urban cycle of 17.1l/100km.

Page two ... Specifications

Taking a launch literally Here's a launch that will go down as one of the most daring and dramatic vehicle unveilings.

Turbosaurus Rex Nissan has quietly released an updated GT-R with some subtle but significant changes.

Scoobies in the rough Subaru's new 'combo-cars' - the Legacy and Outback - are ready to roam local roads.